Where You Used To Be
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
Listen to Where You Used To Be
This debut from the Austin singer-songwriter Alison Tucker reflects on the experiences of a queer woman coming out and sorting through the ups and downs of love and loss.
“New Lover” opens with Mandy Rowden’s warm keys and P. Sloane Michael’s playful percussion illuminating the rich climate, and “When You Close Your Eyes” follows with Matt Smith’s spirited electric guitar that emits bluesy ideas amid Tony Perrino’s cozy B3 and Tucker’s lovely singing that tugs on the heartstrings.
Landing in the middle, the soulful “More Time” uses Brian Mendes’ cautious drums that complement the elegance, while “Three Quarter Time” radiates playfulness via Katie Marie’s crisp drums, Rowden’s charming fiddle and Tucker’s frisky guitar and vocals.
“Long Sleeves” and “Carousel Of Colors” exit the listen. The former allows for Smith’s skilled mandolin to shine alongside the emotive singing, and the latter has Tucker handling banjo and Smith playing dobro for a hint of bluegrass flavor in the sincere songwriting.
A universally relatable first album, Tucker’s been sorting through divorce, taking care of family and dealing with shared custody of children. Those experiences sparked her songwriting interests that had become dormant during career and family life, and it makes for an empowering, sometimes heartbreaking effort.
Travels well with: Ezra Grey- Afterall; Fox And Bones- Long Time Honey